Sports grips

ABSTRACT

Described are sports training aid(s) such as tennis grips. The tennis grips have markers showing a player where to place their hands and fingers to get a correct grip for a particular tennis shot. Also described are marker indicators having marker indicator comprising one or more indicators indicating to a subject where to put markers on a grip.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/597,460, filed on Feb. 10, 2012 which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The sports aids and methods described herein relate to improving and/orteach specific grips used in various sports, such as tennis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tennis players of all levels, from beginners to advanced, at some pointstruggle with their tennis game. Struggle, such as unforced errors, isoften a result from the way a player holds the grip on the racket, i.e.the tennis grip. The arrangement of the player's hand(s) and finger(s)dictates the way the player grips the racket. Tennis grip technique islike riding a bicycle, once a player learns it the correct way itbecomes very simple and the player do not have to learn it again.However if a player learns to hit a tennis ball using an incorrect gripor way of gripping the racket it is extremely difficult to unlearn thebad tennis grip of holding the racket and relearn the correct grippingtechnique. To develop and redevelop muscle memory can take a very longtime. For example, playing with an incorrect tennis technique grip ofholding the racket on the various tennis strokes result in muscle memoryassociated with bad gripping technique. It takes a long time to unduethe bad muscle memory and replace it with muscle memory associated witha correct gripping technique. Players with bad gripping techniquetypically reach a certain level and plateau and can never seem to getbetter in order to play at a higher level because the bad grippingtechnique prevents them from getting better.

Therefore, there is a need for a training aid that improve griptechnique from the beginner all the way through to the professionallevel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are training aid(s) and methods that will teach tennisplayers of all levels to hold the tennis racket for every tennis strokein a technically sound and correct way so that their game can improveinstantly and dramatically. The training aid(s) will speed up thelearning process and improve tennis games around the world. The trainingaid(s) are suitable for every age group children, teen and adultsplayers of all levels. In one embodiment, the training aid(s) can be asports grip, such as a tennis grip. The tennis grips will improvetechnique at every level from the beginner all the way through to theadvanced and professional level for a particular sport.

In one embodiment, the tennis grip strategically placed markers on thetennis grip that indicate how to grip the racket. The markers can beplaced in any arrangement to indicate the grip suitable for particularshots. For example, the markers can indicate the correct grip for awestern forehand grip or a continental grip. The markers can be arrangedfor either right or left handed players.

In one embodiment, the tennis grip is a wrap-around tennis Grip. Awrap-around tennis grip can be seen in FIG. 3. A wrap-around tennis gripcan be put on or taken off by simply pulling it off at the variousfastening or connection points. This wrap-around grip can also have themarker(s) on them as described elsewhere herein.

In one embodiment, the tennis grip is a Skinz-grip. A Skinz-grip can beseen in FIG. 4. A Skinz-grip is a tennis grip that is tubular in natureand slides or rolls onto the handle of the racket. The Skinz-grip canalso contain marker(s) as described elsewhere herein. The Skinz-grip canhave markers that will align when the grip is rolled onto the handle ofthe racket. This grip easily slides on and off the handle allowing thetennis player to change the tennis grip and work on another tennistechnique grip by placing on another tennis grip. The Skinz Grip can bereversible with the same guide or different guide on the reverse side.This Skinz grip would be suitable for children whose attention span isshort so markers in the form of pictures on the grip will allow thechild to change grips according to the picture(s) they wanted for thatlesson or practice in order to keep their attention and enhance theirlearning process. This grip is suitable for all ages. In one embodimentthe tennis grip can be a “Perfect-Put-On grip” as shown in FIG. 5. APerfect-Put-On grip has markers or connection points that assist tennisplayers of all levels and teachers them how to put on a tennis grip thecorrect way. These markers will have a starting point, an end point anddifferent points in between. The markers can be any type of marker,pictures, numbers, letters, lines, shapes, shades, symbols, prints andanything that aligns the grip up correctly. The grip with the makerswill be specific to whether or not you′re a right or left handed tennisplayer. If you are a right-handed tennis player the tennis grip willhave a start point, an end point and points in between the start andend. These points or markers will align and the grip will slightlyoverlap and rotate spirally in a clockwise/north east direction until itgets to the top of the handle. For a left-handed tennis player the gripwill spiral in a anti-clockwise north west rotation around the tennishandle. These points or markers will align and the grip will slightlyoverlap and rotate spirally in a clockwise/north east direction until itgets to the top of the handle. For a left-handed tennis player the gripwill spiral in a anti-clockwise north west rotation around the tennishandle. The Perfect-Put-On grip can be a reversible tennis grip,whereby, for example, if you are a right-handed tennis player you spiralin a northeast direction and on the opposite side of the tennis grip themarkers will be for a left handed tennis player with directions tospiral it in a northwest direction.

In one embodiment the training aid(s) also teach all tennis players howto put on a tennis grip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the base knuckle of the right index finger.

FIG. 2 shows the marker of the “V” for a right handed person. Theoctagon numbering shows the rotation of the racket relative to theoutline of the “V”

FIG. 3 shows markers representing an eastern forehand grip (on a grip)wherein rI=right index finger, rT=right thumb, rM=right middle finger,rR=right ring finger, and P=right pinky finger.

FIG. 4 shows a grip with alignment marker, wherein the grip is a roll-ongrip or slide-on grip.

FIG. 5 shows how alignment markers work for a grip that is put on bywrapping the grip around the grip of the racket. The “S” and arrowindicates where to start the wrapping so that the alignment markers willbe aligned correctly. This is called the “perfect-put-on tennis grip.”

FIG. 6 shows a marker indicator. The arrows shows the openings in themarker indicator which a subject would use as a guide to draw the markson to the grip. The marker indicator would be wrapped around the gripusing alignment markers to achieve the desired position of the markerindicator. The openings in the marker indicator would then be used as aguide to the subject who can make marks onto the under lying gripindicating the correct grip for a particular grip, such as an easternforehand grip.

FIG. 7 shows the right hand and the location of the middle base knuckleof index finger, the “V”, and the middle base knuckle of the thumb.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

Gripping

Gripping, way to grip a racket, gripping technique and technique ofholding the racket or the like terms are terms that are usedinterchangeably herein and refers to how a player arranges or positionshis fingers and hand(s) on the grip of a tennis racket. For example,non-limiting examples of gripping of a racket can provide a particulargrip such as a continental grip, double handed backhand grip, westernforehand grip, eastern forehand grips.

The “V”

The “V” or the like term as used herein refers to the formation betweenthe thumb and the base-knuckle of the index finger, see FIG. 7. Forexample, the “V” can be the form between the thumb and the base-knuckleof the index finger when a player grips the handle of a racket.

Tennis Grip

Tennis grip or the like term as used herein refers to any type of gripthat is placed on the handle of a tennis racket. Non-limiting examplesof tennis grips are the overgrip, replacement grip, tubular grip, wrapgrip, flip grip (two-sided/reverse tennis grip).

Marker

A marker or markers or the like terms as use herein refers to any formof indicator showing a player where to grip a racket or club. Forexample, the markers can indicate to a subject where place theirfinger(s) and/or hand(s). In another example, the markers can indicateto a subject where place their “V” or base-knuckle of one or morefingers.

For example, a marker can be a different color than the grip itself oran indentation in the material or slightly raised in the material a holein the grip or a different material than the grip. The marker can haveany shape. For example, marker can have the shape of a dot or image ofan object. The marker can either be put onto the grip during or aftermanufacturing of the grip. For example, the marker can be screen printedonto the grip. In another example, the marker can be put onto the gripby a player using a marker indicator as described herein.

In one embodiment, the marker is physically distinguishable from thegrip. For example, a marker is anything that appears different to thetouch of a subject. As such the subject can “feel” the marker whenholding the racket if the person is touching the marker. Therefore, thesubject can change the grip if needed during play without having to lookat the marker. Suitable materials for such markers include, but are notlimited to, Velcro, sticky materials, such as tape or gels, rubber, andplastic.

In one aspect, the marker of the “V” can be a “V”-guide. A “V”-guide isa marker that is physically distingushable from the grip wherein asubject can use the “V”-guide to feel how to place the hand on the grip.

Subject

A subject or the like term as used herein refers to a person, such as atennis player.

Training Aid(s) with Markers

Disclosed herein are training aid(s). The training aid(s) can be atennis grip that has markers on the grip which illustrates how to hold atennis racket with the various tennis strokes. This can be a single gripthat has markers reflecting and illustrating where to place yourfinger(s) and hand(s) for all the tennis strokes (forehand, backhand,serve, volleys). The tennis grip can come in the form of an overgrip,replacement grip, tubular grip, wrap-grip, or original grip but notlimited to just these. The markers can be any kind of marker whethernumeric, letters, pictures, shaded areas. The markers can be a part ofthe grip texture or a different texture, material. A tennis overgrip andreplacement grip will also have markers as described herein placed onthem that also show people how to put on a tennis grip. With thesemarkers it will teach tennis players how to put on a tennis grip as wellas aligning the markers for the strokes.

It is understood that different subject have different size hands andtherefore the markers can be adjusted to the size of subjet's hand.Depending on a subject's preference, the markers can be placed so thatthe subject will grip the grip high or low on the handle of the racket.

By creating this grip tennis players of all levels (beginners throughadvanced) will be able to learn how to hold a tennis racket in atechnically sound manner to improve form, increase the learning process,improve development and playability. This will be a single grip that hasmarkers reflecting and illustrating where to place your hand(base-knuckle of index finger and/or the “V”) and/or finger(s) for allthe tennis strokes (forehand, backhand, serve, overheads/smashes,volleys). The tennis grip can come in the form of an overgrip,replacement grip, tubular grip, or original grip.

These markers can be any type of marker such as a picture(s), number(s),alphabetical letter(s), symbols, lines, color coded, hand prints, fingerprints, the “V” formed by the hand between the thumb and index finger,the base knuckle of the index finger or any other type of marker notlimited to the ones I've listed here. The markers can be a part of thegrip texture or a different texture, material. The markers can also bemade of a different material, flat, raised or indented slightly into thetennis grip.

In one embodiment, the markers can be an attachment that comprises araised portion. The raised portion can, for example, be guide for howplace a hand onto a grip. The subject would feel the marker (i.e. guide)when playing to ensure that the subject does not changes his grip duringplay.

This tennis grip allows players of all levels (beginners throughadvanced) to learn how to hold a tennis racket in a technically soundmanner to improve form, increase the learning process, improvedevelopment and playability. The tennis overgrip and replacement gripwill also have markers placed on them that also show people how to puton a tennis grip. With these markers it will teach tennis players how toput on a tennis grip as well as aligning the markers for the strokes.

In one embodiment, the training aid(s) is a sports grip with markers. Inone embodiment the sports grip is a grip on a sports racket, club orother sports instrument. In one embodiment, the sports grip is a tennisgrip, badminton grip, squash grip, golf grip, baseball grip, racketballgrip, lacross grip, cricket grip, or softball grip. In a preferredembodiment the sports grip is a tennis grip. The tennis grip can be anytype of tennis grip. For example, a tennis grip can be an overgrip,replacement grip, tubular grip (skinz-grip) or wrap grip.

The markers can be either removable or permanent on the tennis grip. Themarker can be made either during or after manufacturing of the tennisgrip. For example, the markers can be screen printed on the tennis gripalready but they can come in other forms. These other forms are wherebythe strategically placed markers are either made of a differentmaterial, flat, raised or indented slightly into the tennis grip. Themarkers can also be holes in the grip. The markers can also be put ontothe grip by a subject using a marker indicator. The marker indicator canhave holes that indicate where to place the marking onto the grip, forexample, by using a pen or other writing device to make a color markingthrough the holes of the marker indicator. In one embodiment, themarkers' placement are based off of the various pressure points that thehand(s) and finger(s) touch the racket handle and tennis grip. Thesemarkers can be any type of marker such as a picture(s), number(s),alphabetical letter(s), symbols, lines, hand prints, color coded, fingerprints, the “V” formed by the hand between the thumb and index finger,the base knuckle of the index finger or any other type of marker notlimited to the ones listed here. This tennis technique grip can be forone tennis stroke or a combination of any multiple of the tennistechnique grips and tennis strokes.

The marker(s) can come as a single marker for a specific tennistechnique grip and tennis stroke or a combination of the various tennistechnique grips and strokes. The markers can indicate where to place thehand(s) and fingers to grip the racket with a correct continental(forehand, serve, volley), eastern forehand, semi-western forehand,western forehand, eastern single-handed backhand, extreme easternsingle-handed backhand, and the various two-handed backhands.

The markers can be spaced to be suitable for different size grips and ordifferent size hands. For example, the markers can be arranged to besuitable for grips sizes between 3-5 inches in circumference. A playercan also measure his hand(s) to see what marker arrangement is suitablefor his/hers hand size.

The training aids described herein are also suitable for other sportsequipment such as equipment for, badminton, squash, golf, cricket,baseball and other sports utilizing an object that a subjet grips.

In one embodiment the tennis grip can have strategically placed markerson it that illustrate how to hold the tennis racket grip correctly foreach tennis stroke. The strategically placed markers on the tennis gripshow/illustrate to a subject (“a tennis player”) where and how to placetheir hand (base-knuckle of index finger and/or the “V”) and/orfinger(s) for all the tennis strokes. Some tennis strokes are theforehand, backhand (single and double-handed), serve, overhead, volley,slice. Some tennis strokes have the same way of holding theracket/handle while other strokes are different. These markers can be inthe form of symbols, numbers, letters, pictures, hand print, fingerprint, line, color-coded, “V”, and any other type of marker placed onthe tennis grip made up of any material composition. The perfect-put-ontennis grip can be one sided or reversible, see FIG. 5.

The markers on the tennis grip can be adapted for either right handed orleft handed players. For example, some grips can be designed for righthanded players while other grips can be designed for left handedplayers.

In one embodiment, the markers will be screen printed on the tennisgrip. The markers can be different material than the grip, flat, raisedor indented slightly into the tennis grip. These markers are based offof the various pressure points that the hand and fingers touch theracket handle and tennis grip. These markers can be any type of markersuch as a picture(s), number(s), alphabetical letter(s), symbols, lines,or any other type of marker not limited to the ones I've listed here.This tennis technique grip can be for one tennis stroke or a combinationof any multiple of the tennis technique grips and tennis strokes.

In one embodiment, a subject can place the markers on the tennis gripusing a marker indicator as described elsewhere herein.

To play like a top tennis player one must hold the racket like thatparticular player. In one embodiment, the markers can be arranged toshow the grip of any stroke of particular tennis player, such a tenniscoach or a top ranked player. For example, the markers can be arrangedto indicate the grip of world's best tennis coaches or tennis players.Non limiting examples of such players are Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal,Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, Juan Martin DelPorto, Robin Soderling,Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Kim Klijsters and Venus Williams. Forexample, the markers can be arranged to show the forehand grip of RogerFederer or the serve grip of Andy Roddick.

In one embodiment the tennis grip can be a “Wrap-around” tennis grip.The purpose of this tennis grip is to have a training and developmenttool that is quick to put on and take off of the tennis racket. The“Wrap-around” tennis grip will have the same markings as describedelsewhere herein that will assist in developing the perfect technique.This is perfect for children who may have short attention spans and thefinger(s) and hand placement can be interchanged with the “Wrap-around”tennis grip that could have different pictures on it to hold theattention of the child. It's not only for children but is meant fortennis players of all levels and ages.

In one embodiment, the grip that has markers on it showing where toplace your finger(s), thumb(s), hand(s), base of the knuckle(s), the “V”formed between the thumb and index finger and any part of hand for aparticular sport

In one embodiment, the markers can be made of any type of texture ormaterial

In one embodiment, the markers can be any type of marker including butnot limited to picture(s), numbers, alphabetic letter(s), line(s),patches, shade(s) of color, prints, symbols etc.

In one embodiment, the markers on the handle or grip can be for anysport where a grip is used (golf, baseball, cricket, badminton, javelin,ice hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, and not limited to just thesesports)

In one embodiment, a tennis grip that has printed or attached markersin/on it that assist in teaching tennis sports players how to hold theracket, bat, club etc. technically sound

In one embodiment, a grip that has printed or attached markers in/on itthat aids/teaches the sports player/athlete how to hold the sports gripcorrectly for a particular sport

In one embodiment, a tennis grip with these markers that could haveeither one specific tennis stroke grip or a combination of tennisstrokes.

In one embodiment, a grip with markers on them illustrating how tocorrectly put on a sport specific grip

In one embodiment, the grip is a skinz-grip that slides onto theequipment of a particular sport that aids in holding the grip correctlyfrom a technical standpoint

In one embodiment, the grip is a wrap-around grip that attaches anddetaches to the handle of the specific sports handle so the athlete canuse to hold the correct grip for the specific sport they are trainingfor.

In one embodiment, a grip indicates to a player where to place thethumb(s) of his dominant hand.

In one embodiment, the grip indicates where to place one, two, three,four, or five finger(s)

In one embodiment, the grip indicates where to place one, two, three,four, or five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten finger(s)

In one embodiment, the grip indicates where the “V” of one hand shouldgo.

In one embodiment, the grip indicates where the “V” of two hands shouldgo.

In one embodiment, the grip indicates where to place the palm of yourhand(s)

In one embodiment, the grip indicates where to place the base-knuckle ofthe index finger

In one embodiment, the grip indicates where to place any part of aplayers hand on the grip in order to teach the correct technique.

In one embodiment, the grip that is single-sided or reversible grip withmarkings indicating where to place the hands on the grip.

The “Wrap-around” tennis grip can be placed on a flat surface with themarkings facing down on the flat surface with the back of the“wrap-around” tennis grip facing upwards. A player then places theirtennis racket handle in the middle of the “wrap-around” grip so that thebottom of the handle is touching the back of the “wrap-around” tennisgrip. Then the player can take the sides of the “wrap-around” tennisgrip and fold them around the top of the tennis racket handle andconnect the points on each side of the flaps with one another so thatthey stay fixed together and the “wrap-around” tennis grip does not falloff. The Wrap-around grip can be one sided or reversible. A wrap-aroundgrip can comprise the markers described herein.

In one embodiment, the tennis grip can be a “Skinz grip,” a Skinz gripis illustrated in FIG. 4. A Skinz grip is a tennis grip that can berolled onto the tennis handle for a quick and easy tennis replacementgrip. The “Skinz grip” can also have the markers on it as describedelsewhere herein. When a Skinz grip have markers, then the “Skinz grip”will have alignment markers that align with different areas of theracket handle. The alignment markers can be but not limited to one orthe various sides of the tennis racket handle. For example, there willbe markers on the top and bottom of the “Skinz grip” that align with thecenter of the tennis racket handle so that the markers align correctlyon the tennis racket handle to show a correct gripping technique for thedevelopment and teaching of the correct tennis technique. A player couldspread the grip apart between your fingers, align the markers and rollor slide the skinz-grip up the racket handle. The Skinz-grip can be onesided or reversible.

Also disclosed herein is a grip, the perfect-put-on tennis grip (FIG.5), that teaches a person how to put on a grip correctly on the handleof a tennis racket. Most tennis players don't know how to put on atennis grip and this grip teaches them how to do so by simply aligningthe markers. The markers can be any type of marker, lines, numbers,letters, symbols but not limited to these mentioned. The perfect-put-ongrip can also comprise the markers as described herein.

In one embodiment, the grip can have markers that align as at certainpoints on the tennis grip so that the tennis grip is put-on correctly.The markers can also be spiral around the grip and racket handle.

For a right-handed tennis player the grip should typically be wrapped orrotated around the tennis handle in a north east direction. The reasonfor this is so the tennis grip and the hand contour in the samedirection. For left-handed players the opposite direction is preferred.

Students often ask tennis coaches to assist them to put on a grip forthem. Described herein is a tennis grip that has markers on them thathave to connect exactly or very close in proximity in order to make surethe tennis player learns how to put on a tennis racket grip the correctway. The ideal way to put on a tennis grip (assuming a right-handedtennis player) would be to start at the bottom of the racket handle andspiral the grip upwards in a north-east (anti-clockwise) rotatingdirection. In doing so the spiral of the grip for a right handed tennisplayer will fit the contour of the tennis players hand better givingbetter comfort and feel. Tennis rackets are typically made whereby thetennis grip spirals (slightly overlapping) in a anti-clockwise spiralingdirection around the tennis racket handle. Considering the sport isdominated by mostly right handed players this is an illogical way toplace a tennis grip on the racket. By creating a tennis grip thatteaches tennis players how to put on a tennis grip and the correctdirection to do this assist in playability, feel and all around comfortwhen holding a tennis racket handle. By doing this they no longer haveto ask their tennis coach or anyone else to do it for them and thereforelearn the subtleties of better playability and feel on the grip. Aplayer starts at the base of the tennis racket handle by placing themarker labelled with an “S” for start position. The player wrap/rotatethe tennis grip around the handle in a northeast direction aligning eachof the markers with one another until the player reaches the top of thetennis racket handle where the tennis grip will end. Some tennis rackethandles are shorter or longer than others so it's up to the tennisplayer to decide how far up the tennis handle they want to go with thetennis grip. The grip can be one-sided or reversible. For a left-handedtennis player, the tennis grip will go on the reverse way in a northwestrotation/wrap-around to contour with the players hand. In oneembodiment, this grip showing how to put on the grip correctly can becombined with the markers as described elsewhere herein showing how tohold a racket.

Marker Indicator

Also described herein are marker indictors. A marker indicator or thelike term as used herein refers to sheet or the like that can be placedover a grip indicating to a subject where to mark the grip with markersto provide for a particular grip. In one aspect, the marker indicatorcomprises one or more indicators indicating to a subject where to putmarkers on a grip.

A marker indicator can be made of any material. Suitable materials formarker indicators includes but are not limited to, paper or plastic orrubber with indicators on the sheet indicating where to mark the markersonto a grip to provide for a particular grip. In one embodiment theindicators indicating where to mark the markers onto the grip can beholes. The marker indicator can be placed over the grip and a subjectcan transfer the location of the indicators on the marker indicator ontothe grip, with for example a pen or other device capable of making amark. The marker indicator can be designed to be placed over the gripwhen the grip is on the handle of the racket or be designed to be placedover the grip before the grip is put on the handle of the racket. Forexample, the marker indicator would be wrapped around the grip usingalignment markers to achieve the desired position of the markerindicator. The openings in the marker indicator would then be used as aguide to the subject who can make marks onto the under lying gripindicating the correct grip for a particular grip, such as an easternforehand grip. In one embodiment the marker indicator is flexible so itcan be wrapped around a grip on a tennis handle. A marker indicator caninclude indicators to make all marker(s) as described elsewhere hereinto produce all tennis grips as described elsewhere herein. In anotherembodiment, the markers are indicated as holes where a subject cantransfer the location of the maker onto the racket. The marker indicatorcan also have one or more alignment markers. An alignment marker is amarker indicating where on the grip to align the marker indicator. Forexample, an alignment marker can be positioned so that when a markerindicator is placed over a tennis grip on the handle of a racket thealignment marker indicates how on the grip to place the markerindicator. The transfer of the location of the indictors of the markerindicator can be done with any means to make a mark. For example, thetransfer can be done with a pen, pencil, permanent marker, sharpie,crayon, paint, or other writing tool or a sharp object making a physicalimprint in the grip. The marker indicator can have the same shape as thegrip to provide for alignment for appropriate marker transfer. Themarker indicator can be a shell casing that goes around the grip.

Kits

Also described herein are kits. In one embodiment the kits can include atennis grip and one or more marker indicators as described herein. Inone embodiment, the kits can further include a writing device totransfer the locations of the indicators on the marker indicator on thegrip.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Tennis grips with markers

The markers and marker indicators described here can be used and/ordesigned as described below. For illustration these Figures and Picturesare based off of a right handed tennis player. Grips for left handedplayers can be made in a similar manner.

Example 2 Wrap-around grip

The “Wrap-around” tennis grip is placed on a flat surface with themarkings facing down on the flat surface with the back (FIG. 3) of the“wrap-around” tennis grip facing upwards. Then the tennis racket handleis placed in the middle of the “wrap-around” grip so that the bottom ofthe handle is touching the back of the “wrap-around” tennis grip. Thebottom (butt) of the racket handle should be aligned with the bottom ofthe wrap-around grip and the top of the racket handle should be alignedwith the top of the wrap-around grip. Then the sides are taken of the“wrap-around” tennis grip and fold them around the tennis racket handleand connect the points on each side of the flaps with one another sothat they stay fixed together and the “wrap-around” tennis grip doesn'tfall off. The Wrap-around grip can be one sided or reversible.

Example 3 The Skinz Grip

A Skinz Grip can be seen in FIG. 4 wherein alignment markers are used toplace the skinz grip with markers in its desired position.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of skill in the artto which the disclosed invention belongs. Publications cited herein andthe materials for which they are cited are specifically incorporated byreference.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain usingno more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specificembodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents areintended to be encompassed by the following claims.

1. A marker indicator comprising one or more indicators indicating to asubject where to put markers on a grip.
 2. The marker indicator of claim1, further comprising one or more alignment markers.
 3. The markerindicator of claim 1, wherein the indicators are holes.
 4. The markerindicator of claim 1, wherein the indicators indicates to a subjectwhere to place a marker that shows where to place the thumb of thesubject's dominant hand.
 5. The marker indicator of claim 1, wherein theindicators indicates to a subject where to place one or more markersthat shows the subject where to place one, two, three, four, or fivefinger(s).
 6. The marker indicator of claim 1, wherein the indicatorsindicates to a subject where to place one or more markers that shows tothe subject where to place one, two, three, four, five, six, seven,eight, nine, or ten finger(s).
 7. The marker indicator of claim 1,wherein the indicators indicates to a subject where to place one or moremarkers showing the “V”.
 8. The marker indicator of claim 1, wherein theindicators indicates to a subject where to place one or more markersthat showing where the “V” of two hands.
 9. The marker indicator ofclaim 1, wherein the indicators indicates to a subject where to placeone or more markers that shows to the subject where to place the palm ofyour hand(s).
 10. The marker indicator of claim 1, wherein theindicators indicates to a subject where to place one or more markersthat shows to the subject where to place the base-knuckle of one or morefinger(s).
 11. The marker indicator of claim 10, wherein the one or morefinger(s) comprises the index finger.
 12. A tennis grip comprising oneor more markers indicating to a subject where to place one or morefingers and/or one or more hands on the grip.
 13. (canceled)
 14. Thetennis grip of claim 12, wherein the markers indicate to a player the“V”.
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. The tennis grip of claim 12,wherein markers indicate a grip selected from the group consisting of acontinental grip, a eastern forehand grip, a semi-western forehand grip,a western-forehand grip, a semi-eastern forehand grip, a easternforehand grip, a single handed eastern backhand grip, a single handedextreme eastern backhand grip, and one or more types of double handedbackhand grips.
 18. The tennis grip of claim 12, wherein the tennis gripfurther comprises markers indicating how to put on the grip on a handle.19. The tennis grip of claim 12, wherein the markers indicates to aplayer where to place the thumb(s) of his dominant hand.
 20. (canceled)21. The tennis grip of claim 12, wherein the markers indicates where toplace one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, tenfinger(s)
 22. The tennis grip of claim 12, wherein the markers indicateswhere the “V” of one hand should go.
 23. The tennis grip of claim 12,wherein the markers indicates where the “V” of two hands should go. 24.(canceled)
 25. The tennis grip of claim 12, wherein the markersindicates where to place the base-knuckle of one or more fingers. 26.(canceled)